Myasthenia Gravis

Overview

Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disease mediated by autoantibodies to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the post-synaptic side of the neuromuscular junction. It affects the voluntary muscles and characterised by weakness and fatigability.

Signs and Symptoms

Muscle weakness, Fatigue, Diplopia (double vision), Ptosis, Difficulty chewing, Difficulty swallowing, Proximal myopathy, Mushy or nasal quality speech, Facial weakness

Common Causes

Autoantibody

Risk Factors

Presence of autoimmune disease, Age less than 50 years in female and more than 50 years in male, Thymic hyperplasia or atrophy or tumour

Investigation Techniques

Acetylcholine receptor antibody test, Tensilon test, Electromyography (EMG), CT scan to exclude thymoma

Treatment and Prevention

Anticholinesterase, Immunosuppressive therapy, Thymomectomy